The fallout of the Uri attack has reportedly forced Karan Johar to alter the screenplay of his October 28 release Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. How can a romantic drama possibly damage the morale of the country as it ratchets up pressure on Pakistan for allegedly supporting cross-border terrorism? A movie can, one supposes, when it stars Pakistani heart-throb Fawad Khan.
The uproar against Pakistani actors and singers working in Hindi films has led to unconfirmed reports that the Ranbir Kapoor starrer is undergoing major rewrites and re-dubbing. Johar is allegedly changing the nationalities of the characters played by Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – they will no longer be Pakistani. And what of Fawad Khan, who plays a small role in the film? One report suggested that he will be replaced by Saif Ali Khan. A short video by Sumit Purohit has a better solution, one that reflects the current mood of forced censorship brought on ultra-nationalism: let B-movie actor Gajendra Chauhan steps into Khan’s large shoes. The video, appropriately titled Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Film Banana, is begging to be developed into a longer spoof.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.

Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!